End of Days Preparation

[PB11]

Hi All

I'm hoping to get a better understanding of what my options are moving forward with the demise of Insteon.

I've been reading about the Polisy and don't fully understand if this allows for the removal of the plug in PLM, which is my concern as I've had to replace one in the past.

I don't want to invest in a  $500 Polisy if in the end a failed PLM still results in a dead Insteon system.

Is the USB or Serial PLM something that will allow me to keep my system up?

Just can't quite find the right explaination regarding these details.

 

My other question, is what outlet and switch hardware is best moving forwared. To fill the gap i've purchased few of the new wemo plug in outlets which requires configuration via Alexa to interface with my isy/insteon hardware.

Not the best solutions but didn't want to commit to any one ecosystem until i did a bit more research.

 

Thanks for any info 

 

[simplextech]

2 minutes ago, PB11 said:

I've been reading about the Polisy and don't fully understand if this allows for the removal of the plug in PLM, which is my concern as I've had to replace one in the past.

PLM is still required for Insteon.  Does not matter what control system.  Whether it's Polisy, HomeSeer, Indigo, etc, etc.  Insteon requires PLM for controller communication.

Granted there is possibility to use the USB Insteon interface if you can still find one.  This method only provides wireless access to Insteon devices so you lose all benefit of powerline communications.

 

[PB11]

Damn. So is an insteon system dead without PLM?

No work around?

[simplextech]

Just now, PB11 said:

Damn. So is an insteon system dead without PLM?

Yup.

[MrBill]

It should be noted that PLM's can be repaired in most cases.   If you're unable to repair it yourself (not everyone can solder) there is an ebay seller that will come to your rescue: https://www.ebay.com/itm/325056763453

[PB11]

Just now, simplextech said:

Yup.

Wow, how disappointing. Would have been nice if Insteon would have released a formal statement rather than leaving loyal customers hanging.

Ok, so I guess the search for the next best thing begins.

Any experience with any full systems? The little I've researched Lutron seems like a good but expensive option, and I've also been in a home with control4 but it was being used very basically (iphone interface) so i don't know how compatible it is with an assistants or how robust the routine options are.

Or is it best to wait for the material protocal to estabilish. Would love to avoid any more controllers.

[PB11]

Just now, MrBill said:

It should be noted that PLM's can be repaired in most cases.   If you're unable to repair it yourself (not everyone can solder) there is an ebay seller that will come to your rescue: https://www.ebay.com/itm/325056763453

Ok. I'm setup to do soldering on small electronics. Would you happen to have any description of repairs generally required?

 

[simplextech]

2 minutes ago, PB11 said:

Any experience with any full systems?

I'm an RTI Control and Lutron certified dealer/installer/developer among other vendors I work with and Z-Wave certified installer.  So a little experience.

@lilyoyo1is the resident Control4 guy if you have questions on that.

[MrBill]

Just now, PB11 said:

Ok. I'm setup to do soldering on small electronics. Would you happen to have any description of repairs generally required?

There's one long long thread and several more...  I don't seem to have it bookmarked but it's not hard to find.

Another ebay seller and forum member sells the needed capacitors in single lot quantities: https://www.ebay.com/itm/174552309995

[PB11]

2 minutes ago, simplextech said:

I'm an RTI Control and Lutron certified dealer/installer/developer among other vendors I work with and Z-Wave certified installer.  So a little experience.

@lilyoyo1is the resident Control4 guy if you have questions on that.

Ah yes. My neighbor has RTI now that you mention it. Now it could have been the installer, but the system has not been easy for my (non techie) neighbor to use. I'll do some reasearch and maybe go over and access the system interface. i'm assuming it has an ip based interface or is an app required?

[PB11]

Forgive the dumb question.

Can I save specific thread to my profile? I often have a hard time finding a specific thread after the fact?

[MrBill]

1 minute ago, PB11 said:

Forgive the dumb question.

Can I save specific thread to my profile? I often have a hard time finding a specific thread after the fact?

Not that I know of, I use browser bookmarks, I have a folder just for this forum.

[PB11]

2 minutes ago, MrBill said:

Not that I know of, I use browser bookmarks, I have a folder just for this forum.

Always willing to help. Thanks Mr Bill.

[simplextech]

5 minutes ago, PB11 said:

Ah yes. My neighbor has RTI now that you mention it. Now it could have been the installer, but the system has not been easy for my (non techie) neighbor to use. I'll do some reasearch and maybe go over and access the system interface. i'm assuming it has an ip based interface or is an app required?

There is no end-user web interface or any access to the system beyond what the Installer developed for the user. 

Can it have a web interface?  Yes if one was developed by the installer.

Typical interfaces are through hardware controllers which are table top or wall mount.  Hand held remote controls or via the Mobile apps for iOS/Android or the PC based Virtual Panel interface. 

RTI is custom to each and every installation.  There is no "cookie-cutter" interface.

[PB11]

22 minutes ago, simplextech said:

I'm an RTI Control and Lutron certified dealer/installer/developer among other vendors I work with and Z-Wave certified installer.  So a little experience.

@lilyoyo1is the resident Control4 guy if you have questions on that.

I'm so addicted to the alexa voice interface it would be a step backwards to interact with a system via app interface. Does RTI vs Lutron do Alexa well?

[lilyoyo1]

18 minutes ago, PB11 said:

Wow, how disappointing. Would have been nice if Insteon would have released a formal statement rather than leaving loyal customers hanging.

Ok, so I guess the search for the next best thing begins.

Any experience with any full systems? The little I've researched Lutron seems like a good but expensive option, and I've also been in a home with control4 but it was being used very basically (iphone interface) so i don't know how compatible it is with an assistants or how robust the routine options are.

Or is it best to wait for the material protocal to estabilish. Would love to avoid any more controllers.

No formal statement on needing a plm? One has always been needed since it's inception. They've been clear about that from the beginning.

If you want to avoid a controller then the isy isn't for you since it's a controller. They would leave you with using only wifi based devices.

Most pro level systems are quite powerful. You get what you saw due to most consumers not knowing what they want and the need to manage and troubleshoot things when something goes wrong.

The more complicated a system the more that can go wrong. Great for a DIYer with nothing to lose but bad for business

[lilyoyo1]

2 minutes ago, PB11 said:

I'm so addicted to the alexa voice interface it would be a step backwards to interact with a system via app interface. Does RTI vs Lutron do Alexa well?

Voice control is no longer an option piece.   Everyone supports it now. 

[PB11]

1 minute ago, lilyoyo1 said:

No formal statement on needing a plm? One has always been needed since it's inception. They've been clear about that from the beginning.

If you want to avoid a controller then the isy isn't for you since it's a controller. They would leave you with using only wifi based devices.

Most pro level systems are quite powerful. You get what you saw due to most consumers not knowing what they want and the need to manage and troubleshoot things when something goes wrong.

The more complicated a system the more that can go wrong. Great for a DIYer with nothing to lose but bad for business

Happy to take on the trouble shooting, as its my happy place.

The no cookie cutter interface sounds strange to me. As an network analyast i can't get my brain around a network device not having an admin interface. 

I'm so contented with ISY/ Insteon its going to be difficult not to be overly critical of other systems.

I'll try to keep an open mind and do my research.

[PB11]

5 minutes ago, lilyoyo1 said:

No formal statement on needing a plm?

No, I was referring to Insteon shuttering things. A formal statement would have been nice.

[PB11]

3 minutes ago, lilyoyo1 said:

Voice control is no longer an option piece.   Everyone supports it now. 

Do you have a current preference as far as automation system available?

and do you currenlty run isy in parrallel?

 

 

[lilyoyo1]

Just now, PB11 said:

No, I was referring to Insteon shuttering things. A formal statement would have been nice.

Who said they're shuttering. Everything about insteon has been pure speculation. Look at many of the other 100+ threads with similar topics of yours, you'll see this has been an ongoing theme for over a year. Maybe they'll eventually shut down but for now they're still in business so no announcements need to be made.

They do have a new nokia line that they've stated will be separate from insteon. They may change that in the future but for now that's their decision. Everything we say here is pure speculation

[simplextech]

7 minutes ago, PB11 said:

No, I was referring to Insteon shuttering things. A formal statement would have been nice.

No formal announcement because there's been nothing formal.  Every vendor has been going through shortages and delays.

You think others are any better?  I just placed a Lutron order and my supplier told me it was a 5-6 week back order.  I tried to place a RTI order and the supplier is out of stock with no ETA on what I ordered.

[lilyoyo1]

8 minutes ago, PB11 said:

Do you have a current preference as far as automation system available?

and do you currenlty run isy in parrallel?

 

 

The best system depends on one's needs and desires. I go into more details with my clients to install the right system for them but that's because they're paying for it. 

In general, I look for looks, performance, scalability, flexibility, ease of use, and servicing. Price is a factor as well. My best advice would be to try out different things to see what fits your lifestyle. There are no hard and fast rules to this. 

[lilyoyo1]

7 minutes ago, simplextech said:

No formal announcement because there's been nothing formal.  Every vendor has been going through shortages and delays.

You think others are any better?  I just placed a Lutron order and my supplier told me it was a 5-6 week back order.  I tried to place a RTI order and the supplier is out of stock with no ETA on what I ordered.

Hell, I'm still waiting on stereo equipment from October. I didn't get my Sonos amps until January and i ordered them back in September. 

People are so focused on 1 thing they can't see the forests through the trees. 

[PB11]

11 minutes ago, lilyoyo1 said:

Who said they're shuttering. Everything about insteon has been pure speculation. Look at many of the other 100+ threads with similar topics of yours, you'll see this has been an ongoing theme for over a year. Maybe they'll eventually shut down but for now they're still in business so no announcements need to be made.

They do have a new nokia line that they've stated will be separate from insteon. They may change that in the future but for now that's their decision. Everything we say here is pure speculation

Ok. I read a redit thread yesterday from mid 2021 that contained what was identified as an email response that had been sent to i believe a manufactuerer of the PLM.

The response stated that the hardware was no longer being manufactured and that the rights to the hardware was held by smarthings and who was no longer allowing production.

I'll try to find it for reference, but i'm seldom lucky enough to find it after the fact.